Nationwide — Monica Morris, a 51-year-old African American woman from New Jersey, was allegedly stabbed to death by her husband shortly after she told him she planned to leave the marriage. Her daughter witnessed parts of the attack and called 911 as the home caught fire.
Police responded to a townhouse on Freedom Way in Erial, New Jersey, just before 3 a.m. after reports of a fire. When officers entered the burning home, they found Monica’s husband, Jerome, 50, inside, covered in blood and holding a knife. Monica was discovered on the third floor in a burning bedroom with fatal stab wounds to her neck and throat, according to the New York Post.
Investigators say the violence unfolded after midnight. Monica’s daughter called 911 around 2:25 a.m. while hearing screaming from the upper floor of the home. She told dispatchers her father was killing her mother. She then went upstairs, heard her mother screaming for help, and tried to get into the locked bedroom.
Court documents state that once she unlocked the door, she saw Jerome standing over Monica while still holding a knife. She then ran from the room but stayed on the phone with emergency responders as the situation continued inside the home.
Authorities believe Jerome attacked Monica shortly after she told him she wanted to end their marriage. Police also noted he had a history of stalking, threats, and harassment, which they say may have escalated before the killing.
Monica worked as a culinary arts teacher at Trenton Central High School. A family GoFundMe described her as a dedicated mother of four who brought warmth and encouragement to her students through her teaching and cooking. It has so far raised over $16,500 to help with funeral expenses and supporting her children.
Community members also shared tributes. Trenton councilwoman Crystal Feliciano remembered Monica’s kindness, her baked desserts, and her presence at the school, saying the community had lost someone deeply valued.
Jerome now faces charges of first-degree murder and third-degree unlawful possession of a weapon. Investigators say the fire investigation remains ongoing and could lead to additional charges.